The Center - New York, founded in 2000, is an environmental organization dedicated to protecting the environment, enhancing human, animal and plant ecologies, promoting the efficient use of natural resources and expanding participation in the environmental movement.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Syracuse Common Council's ban on the gas drilling process known as hydrofracking. Syracuse joins Albany and Buffalo in banning hydrofracking. Syracuse Council Majority Leader Kathleen Joy spearheaded the legislation in her city. She says it will send a message to state regulators that communities have the right to protect themselves from potential health and environmental hazards.

But the gas industry says fracking is safe and the bans enacted in numerous communities are illegal because only the state has authority to regulate the industry.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to allow drilling and hydrofracking for gas in the lucrative Marcellus Shale formation of southern New York early next year when new regulations are in place. (Times Herald Record, AP, 10/25/2011)

Saturday, October 8, 2011

New York’s Energy Future

Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, New York AREA co-sponsored a breakfast event with the New York Energy Consumers Council (NYECC) featuring former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. The mayor spoke about “New York’s Electric Future” as well as the need for a sensible energy policy, which included Indian Point. Center President and NYAREA Advisory Board member Norris McDonald attended the breakfast event.

The event began with David Bomke of the NYECC offering opening remarks. Mr. Bomke then introduced Mayor Giuliani who discussed his time as mayor of New York and the role he played in ensuring New York City has the power to operate and avoid blackouts.

The mayor also discussed the national energy picture, including reductions being made to each significant generation source in national and state energy policies. To have real growth, the mayor asserted that the United States needs an energy policy that promotes growth.

Mayor Giuliani concluded by returning to a discussion of New York State energy policy. He discussed the need to hydrofrack in western New York as an energy plan and a jobs plan. He discussed the 25 percent power from Indian Point and the lack of anything else to make up for that power. He also discussed safety in relation to nuclear power, noting that electricity creation is inherently dangerous and pointing out the enviable safety record of nuclear power in the United States.

Following the conclusion of the mayor’s remarks, New York AREA Executive Director John Durso, Jr. moderated a question and answer session. Immediately following, Mr. Durso offered closing remarks and thanked Mayor Giuliani for joining this morning’s discussion. (NYAREA)